Stackable cutlery

ABSTRACT

A stackable cutlery utensil includes a utensil portion and a handle portion. The handle portion has opposing first and second ends, with the second end being adjacent the utensil portion. The handle portion further has opposing upper and lower surfaces. First and second protrusions project from the lower surface. A recess is included on the upper surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/073,683, filed on Sep. 2, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Cutlery products can include a variety of utensils, such as forks, knives, spoons, and the like. Cutlery utensils can be reusable or disposable and intended for a single use. Cutlery utensils can be formed of a variety of suitable materials, such as metal or plastics. In one example, disposable cutlery utensils are formed of plastic. Such cutlery utensils can be formed by a variety of suitable manufacturing methods, non-limiting examples of which include stamping, molding, or 3D printing. Regardless of the method of manufacture, it can be desirable for cutlery utensils to be stackable for improved arrangement and handling both during an automated manufacturing process and for packaging of the cutlery utensils. However, some stacking features can add complexity and cost to the manufacturing of the product and/or can negatively impact the usability or aesthetic design of the cutlery utensils.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a stackable cutlery utensil comprising a utensil portion, a handle portion, having opposing first and second ends, the second end being adjacent the utensil portion, and further having opposing upper and lower surfaces, first and second protrusions projecting from the lower surface and spaced from one another to define an intervening space, and a recess on the upper surface at the same axial location on the handle portion as at least one of the first and second protrusions.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a stack of stackable cutlery utensils, each of the stackable cutlery utensils comprising a utensil portion, a handle portion, having opposing first and second ends, the second end being adjacent the utensil portion, and further having opposing first and second surfaces, first and second protrusions projecting from the first surface and spaced from one another to define an intervening space, and a recess on the second surface at the same axial location on the handle portion as at least one of the first and second protrusions, wherein the recess of a first utensil in the stack receives the at least one of the first and second protrusions of a second utensil in the stack to form a stacked configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example of a cutlery utensil, illustrated as a fork.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the fork of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the fork of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the fork of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a right-side view of the fork of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a right-side cross-sectional view of the fork of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a right-side cross-sectional view of two of the forks of FIG. 1 stacked on top of one another.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another example of a cutlery utensil, illustrated as a knife.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the knife of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another example of a cutlery utensil, illustrated as a spoon.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the spoon of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a right-side view of the spoon of FIG. 10 stacked on top of the fork of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a stackable cutlery product, such as a cutlery utensil, non-limiting examples of which can include forks, knifes, spoons, sporks, serving utensils, or any other suitable cutlery item or utensil. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a stackable cutlery utensil is illustrated in the form of a fork 100. The fork 100 comprises a body 102 defining a utensil portion 110 and a handle portion 120. In the present example of the fork 100, the utensil portion 110 includes a plurality of spaced tines 112. The plurality of spaced tines 112 can include any suitable number of tines 112, including a single tine 112 or a pair of tines 112.

The handle portion 120 has opposing first and second ends illustrated as an inner end 122, located adjacent the utensil portion 110, and an outer end 124, located at the opposing end of the handle portion 120, spaced from the utensil portion 110. The handle portion 120 further defines a first surface, illustrated as an upper surface 130, and an opposing second surface, illustrated as a lower surface 140, forming opposing upper and lower surfaces 130, 140.

The upper surface 130 defines at least one recess, illustrated as at least one recessed area 132, on the upper surface 130 that is recessed into or below the upper surface 130. In one example, as illustrated, the recessed area 132 comprises a single, continuous recessed area 132. However, it will be understood that the recessed area 132 is not limited to the single, continuous recessed area 132, but can instead comprise first and second recessed areas 132 on the upper surface 130 of the handle portion 120, which may be spaced from one another along the handle portion 120 as discrete recessed areas 132. In either case, the at least one recessed area 132 comprises a bottom surface 133. The bottom surface 133 can be smooth and free of texture or ornamentation, or the bottom surface 133 can include a texture, a pattern, or any suitable type of ornamental design. In one example, the recessed area 132 further comprises a sidewall 134 extending between the bottom surface 133 and the upper surface 130 along at least a portion of the recessed area 132. Optionally, part or all of the sidewall 134 defines a perimeter of the recessed area 132. The sidewall 134 can further optionally extend continuously about the periphery of the bottom surface 133.

In one example, the recessed area 132 extends substantially along the entire length of the handle portion 120, extending from and between the inner end 122 and the outer end 124. In such an example, the recessed area 132, such as specifically the sidewall 134, further defines a first end 136 and a second end 138. As illustrated, the first end 136 is located at the inner end 122 of the handle portion 120, while the second end 138 is located at the outer end 124 of the handle portion 120. Further, it will be understood that the at least one recessed area 132 need not extend along the entire length of the handle portion 120, and can instead extend along only a portion of the length of the handle portion 120, such as, by way of non-limiting example, along ¾ or less of the length of the handle portion 120, further along half or less of the length of the handle portion 120, further along ¼ or less of the length of the handle portion 120.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the lower surface 140 of the handle portion 120 comprises at least a first protrusion 142 and a second protrusion 144 extending or projecting downwardly from the lower surface 140. While the lower surface 140 is illustrated as including the first protrusion 142 and the second protrusion 144, it will be understood that additional protrusions can also be included. The first and second protrusions 142, 144 are positioned at the same axial location on the handle portion 120 as the at least one recessed area 132. Further, the first protrusion 142 and the second protrusion 144 are spaced apart from one another along the handle portion 120. In one non-limiting example as illustrated, the first and second protrusions 142, 144 are spaced apart such that they are adjacent the inner end 122 and the outer end 124, respectively, of the handle portion 120, though it will be understood that the first and second protrusions 142, 144 need not be spaced all the way to the opposing inner and outer ends 122, 124 of the handle portion 120. In one such example, in the case that first and second recessed areas 132 are included, one recessed area 132 can correspond to the first protrusion 142 while the other recessed area 132 corresponds to the second protrusion 144, such that a discrete recessed area 132 is included to correspond to each of the protrusions 142, 144.

Alternatively, in the case that the single, continuous recessed area 132 is included, the first and second protrusions 142, 144 are spaced apart from one another along the handle portion 120, such that the first and second protrusions 142, 144 both correspond to the single, continuous recessed area 132. Further by way of non-limiting example, and as illustrated, the first protrusion 142 can be positioned opposite the first end 136 of the recessed area 132 and of the sidewall 134, while the second protrusion 144 is positioned opposite the second end 138 of the recessed area 132 and of the sidewall 134. As illustrated, the first and second protrusions 142, 144 can be sized and positioned so as to be complementary in contour and in location with the first and second ends 136, 138. Specifically, the first protrusion 142 can define a contour that is complementary to the first end 136, while the second protrusion 144 defines a contour that is complementary to the second end 138. The first and second protrusions 142, 144 can have the same shape and size as one another, or the first and second protrusions 142, 144 can differ in shape and/or size. Further, it will be understood that the first and second protrusions 142, 144, while illustrated as complementary in shape with the first and second ends 136, 138, can have any suitable shape and size such that the first and second protrusions 142, 144 can be at least partially received within and retained within the recessed area 132 when stacked on top of another fork 100, non-limiting examples of which include a peg, a bump, or a nub, that can be circular, square, rectangular, oval, or any other suitable shape in cross-section.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the recessed area 132 can be better seen as extending along the length of the handle portion 120 from the inner end 122 to the outer end 124, and defined by the sidewall 134, including the first end 136 and the second end 138. As illustrated, the sidewall 134 can have a substantially constant width along the entire perimeter of the recessed area 132, though it will be understood that the sidewall 134 need not be constant in width, but instead could vary in width along the handle portion 120.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the shape of the first protrusion 142 and of the second protrusion 144 can be better seen as corresponding to the shape, size, and the position of the first end 136 and the second end 138, respectively. As illustrated, the first and second protrusions 142, 144 have a generally U-shaped profile that is complementary to and configured to be at least partially received within and retained by the first and second ends 136, 138, respectively.

Turning now to FIG. 5, the first protrusion 142 and the second protrusion 144 can be seen as protruding downwardly from and beyond the lower surface 140 of the handle portion 120 adjacent the first and second ends 136, 138, respectively, as well as adjacent the inner end 122 and the outer end 124, respectively. Specifically, the first protrusion 142 is aligned with the position of the first end 136, while the second protrusion 144 is aligned with the position of the second end 138. Further, it can be seen in the side view that the sidewall 134 located along the perimeter of the recessed area 132, and thus also of the handle portion 120, defines the upper surface 130 at the side edge of the fork 100.

Turning now to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, the recessed position of the bottom surface 133 of the recessed area 132 relative to the upper surface 130 of handle portion 120 can be seen, with the sidewall 134 extending substantially vertically between the bottom surface 133 and the upper surface 130. The bottom surface 133 and the sidewall 134 can be thought of as collectively forming the recessed area 132 and defining the periphery of the recessed area 132. The first end 136 and the second end 138 can be thought of as collectively defining the length of the recessed area 132 extending along the handle portion 120 between the inner end 122 and the outer end 124. Further, the first protrusion 142 and the second protrusion 144 are better seen in cross-section as extending downwardly from and beyond the lower surface 140 of the handle portion 120.

FIG. 7 illustrates a stack 150 comprising two forks 100 stacked on top of one another. The first and second protrusions 142, 144 of the top fork 100 extend downwardly beyond the lower surface 140 of the top fork 100 to extend into the recessed area 132 of the bottom fork 100. Specifically, the first and second protrusions 142, 144 of the top fork 100 are at least partially received within the recessed area 132, such as received within the sidewall 134, and extend downwardly into the recessed area 132 of the bottom fork 100 to rest upon and be supported by the bottom surface 133 of the bottom fork 100. In the illustrated example, the first protrusion 142 is received within and abuts the first end 136 of the sidewall 134, while the second protrusion 144 is received within and abuts the second end 138 of the sidewall 134.

In one example, the first and second protrusions 142, 144 are received within and abut the first and second ends 136, 138, but are not resiliently retained by the first and second ends 136, 138. By way of non-limiting example, a gap of 0.003 inches can be included between the first protrusion 142 and the first end 136 and between the second protrusion 144 and the second end 138 such that the first and second protrusions 142, 144 are not resiliently retained, but still the forks 100 are nested together to form the stack 150 that is stable and is less likely to tip over relative to stacks of cutlery utensils that do not include the first and second protrusions 142, 144 retained within the recessed area 132. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the first and second protrusions 142, 144 can be resiliently retained by the first and second ends 136, 138 so as to form a snug fit, an interference fit, a locking fit, or a snap fit between forks 100 in the stack 150.

Regardless of whether the forks 100 in the stack 150 are resiliently or non-resiliently retained relative to one another, the stacked forks 100 in the stack 150 nest together via the first and second protrusions 142, 144 of the top fork 100 and the recessed area 132, specifically the first and second ends 136, 138, of the bottom fork 100 to form a stable stack 150 having a nested or stacked configuration, such as during manufacturing and packaging. By spacing the first and second protrusions 142, 144 apart from one another, greater stability for the stack 150 is achieved as compared to the use of only a single protrusion or by having first and second protrusions 142, 144 that are not spaced apart from one another. Further, because the first and second protrusions 142, 144 have a shape that is complementary to the first and second ends 136, 138, respectively, of the sidewall 134, the stacked forks 100 are prevented from moving side-to-side relative to one another, as well as from moving forward or backward relative to one another. The inclusion of the sidewall 134 corresponding with the first and second protrusions 142, 144 improves resistance to relative lateral movement between the forks 100 that can lead to unstacking of the forks 100 in the stack 150. Thus, the forks 100 in the stack 150 are prevented from lateral movement relative to one another to form the stack 150 that is sufficiently stable to be moved around during manufacturing and packaging processes.

Further, locating the first and second protrusions 142, 144 on the lower surface 140 leads to improved aesthetic and usability. First, the first and second protrusions 142, 144, being located on the lower surface 140, are not seen from the top side of the fork 100, which is the side generally visible to a user during use of the fork 100. Thus, the inclusion of the first and second protrusions 142, 144 do not interfere with the aesthetic of the fork 100 to the user during use. Second, the spacing apart of the first and second protrusions 142, 144 defines an intervening space 143 between the first and second protrusions 142, 144 along the length of the handle portion 120 that can be thought of as defining an index finger region between the first and second protrusions 142, 144 within which a user's index finger normally would lie when holding the handle portion 120, such that the first and second protrusions 142, 144 do not interfere with the user's finger position and use of the fork 100. Thus, the spacing between the first and second protrusions 142, 144 and the length and positioning of the intervening space 143 for an index finger are specifically designed such that the first and second protrusions 142, 144 are spaced and located so as to not lie in the area on the lower surface 140 where the user's index finger would normally rest during use of the fork 100. According to an MIT Touch Lab study conducted in 2012, the average width of the index finger for most adults is between 1.6 to 2 centimeters (16 to 20 millimeters). Therefore, in one non-limiting example, the length of the intervening space 143 between the first and second protrusions 142, 144 defining the index finger region can be at least 1.6 centimeters. Further by way of non-limiting example, the length of the intervening space 143 between the first and second protrusions 142, 144 defining the index finger region can be at least 2 centimeters.

In another non-limiting example, the user's index finger may normally reside in at least the middle 60% of the length of the handle portion 120. In such a case, the first and second protrusions 142, 144 can therefore be located within the 20% or less of the length of the handle portion 120 adjacent the inner end 122 and the 20% or less of the length of the handle portion 120 adjacent the outer end 124, respectively, which can be thought of as the first and last 20% or less of the length of the handle portion 120. In this way, the intervening space 143 comprises at least the middle 60% of the length of the handle portion 120 and the first and second protrusions 142, 144 are located outside of the intervening space 143 and outside of the length of the handle portion 120 within which the user's index finger would normally reside. Further by way of non-limiting example, the intervening space 143 can comprise at least the middle 80% of the length of the handle portion 120, with the first protrusion 142 located within the 10% or less of the length of the handle portion 120 adjacent the inner end 122 and the second protrusion 144 located within the 10% or less of the length of the handle portion 120 adjacent the outer end 124, which can be thought of as the first and last 10% or less of the length of the handle portion 120. Further yet by way of non-limiting example, the intervening space 143 can comprise at least the middle 83% of the length of the handle portion 120, with the first protrusion 142 located within the 10% or less of the length of the handle portion 120 adjacent the inner end 122 and the second protrusion 144 located within the 7% or less of the length of the handle portion 120 adjacent the outer end 124, which can be thought of as the first 10% or less and the last 7% or less of the length of the handle portion 120.

Further yet, while the fork 100 is illustrated as having the upper surface 130 comprising the recessed area 132 and the lower surface 140 comprising the first and second protrusions 142, 144, it will be understood that the structures for stacking the forks 100 can be switched. For example, the lower surface 140 instead can define the recessed area 132 recessed upwardly into the lower surface 140 of the handle portion 120, while the upper surface 130 instead defines the first and second protrusions 142, 144. Stacking of the forks 100 could then be accomplished in the same manner, with the first and second protrusions 142, 144 received and retained within the recessed area 132.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate another example of a stackable cutlery utensil, illustrated as a knife 200, according to the present disclosure. The knife 200 is similar to the fork 100 of FIGS. 1-7, and shares many of the same features and components as the fork 100, but differs in some aspects, such as in the shape and structure of a utensil portion 210. Therefore, elements of the knife 200 that are similar to those of the fork 100 are identified with numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the fork 100 applies to the knife 200, unless otherwise noted.

The knife 200 is similar to the fork 100 in most aspects, but differs from the fork 100 in that the knife 200 has a different utensil portion 210. The arrangement and the description of a body 202, a handle portion 220 with an inner end 222 and an outer end 224, an upper surface 230 with a recessed area 232, a bottom surface 233, a sidewall 234, a first end 236, and a second end 238, and a lower surface 240 with a first protrusion 242 and a second protrusion 244, is still the same and can be illustrated in the same manner as in the fork 100.

The knife 200 differs from the fork 100 in that the utensil portion 210, instead of comprising the plurality of tines 112, comprises a cutting blade 214. In one example, the cutting blade 214 can be illustrated as a serrated cutting blade 214. Other than the difference in the utensil portion 210, the structure of the handle portion 220 can be identical to that of the handle portion 120 of the fork 100, with stacking of the knives 200 also identical to stacking of the forks 100 via the handle portions 120, 220.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate another example of a stackable cutlery utensil, illustrated as a spoon 300, according to the present disclosure. The spoon 300 is similar to the fork 100 of FIGS. 1-7, and shares many of the same features and components as the fork 100, but differs in some aspects, such as in the shape and structure of a utensil portion 310. Therefore, elements of the spoon 300 that are similar to those of the fork 100 are identified with numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the fork 100 applies to the spoon 300, unless otherwise noted.

The spoon 300 is similar to the fork 100 in most aspects, but differs from the fork 100 in that the spoon 300 has a different utensil portion 310. The arrangement and the description of a body 302, a handle portion 320 with an inner end 322 and an outer end 324, an upper surface 330 with a recessed area 332, a bottom surface 333, a sidewall 334, a first end 336, and a second end 338, and a lower surface 340 with a first protrusion 342 and a second protrusion 344, is still the same and can be illustrated in the same manner as in the fork 100.

The spoon 300 differs from the fork 100 in that the utensil portion 310, instead of comprising the plurality of tines 112, comprises a bowl 316. In one example, the bowl 316 can be illustrated as a concave bowl 316 relative to the upper surface 330. Other than the difference in the utensil portion 310, the structure of the handle portion 320 can be identical to that of the handle portion 120 of the fork 100, with stacking of the spoons 300 also identical to stacking of the forks 100 via the handle portions 120, 320.

Whether the cutlery utensil is illustrated as the fork 100, the knife 200, or the spoon 300, it can be seen that the different utensil types can all include the same, identical handle portion 120, 220, 320, but in combination with differing utensil portions 110, 210, 310, specifically with the plurality of tines 112 for the fork 100, the cutting blade 214 for the knife 200, and the bowl 316 for the spoon 300. It will also be understood that the cutlery utensil is not limited to including the plurality of tines 112, the cutting blade 214, or the bowl 316, but instead can include any suitable utensil portion in combination with the identical handle portion 120, 220, 320. Therefore, and turning now to FIG. 12, while the handle portions 120, 220, 320 allow for stacking of identical cutlery utensils of the same type, such as the stack 150 of forks 100, as previously described, by including identical handle portions 120, 220, 320 between the forks 100, knives 200, and spoons 300, cutlery utensils of different types can also be stacked together. Thus, FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a stack 350 of cutlery utensils according to the present disclosure. The stack 350 is similar to the stack 150 of FIG. 7, and shares many of the same features and components as the stack 150, but differs in some aspects, such as in the inclusion of the fork 100 and the spoon 300. Therefore, elements of the stack 350 that are similar to those of the stack 150 are identified with numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the stack 150 applies to the stack 350, unless otherwise noted.

The stack 350 is similar to the stack 150 in most aspects, but differs from the stack 150 in that the stack 350 includes the fork 100 and the spoon 300, rather than two forks 100. The stacking of the fork 100 and the spoon 300 via the handle portions 120, 320 is still the same and can be illustrated in the same manner as in the stack 150. The stack 350 differs from the stack 150 in that the upper fork 100 is replaced by the spoon 300 with the utensil portion 310 comprising the bowl 316, rather than the upper fork 100 as in the stack 150 with the utensil portion 120 comprising the tines 112. Other than the difference in the utensil portion 310, the structure of the handle portions 120, 320 can be identical to that of the handle portions 120 of the forks 100, with stacking of the spoon 300 on top of the fork 100 also identical to stacking of the forks 100 via the handle portions 120 in the stack 150.

While the stack 350 is illustrated with the spoon 300 stacked on top of the fork 100, it will be understood that other stacking combinations are also possible, such as by stacking the knife 200, or a plurality of knives 200, on top of the fork 100, or on top of a plurality of stacked forks 100. Further, any stacking combination of at least one fork 100, at least one knife 200, and at least one spoon 300 is contemplated and is possible according to the present disclosure, so long as the utensil portions 110, 210, 310 are shaped so as to accommodate the type of cutlery utensil 100, 200, 300 to be stacked on top.

The aspects described in the present disclosure set forth several types of stackable cutlery utensils that can be stacked to form stable stacks of utensils during manufacturing, such as for movement or manipulation within an automated manufacturing process, or in preparation for packaging of the stackable utensils. The stacking features, namely the first and second protrusions and the recessed area, are simple and low-profile, making them easier to manufacture than more complex stacking features, and also allowing for stable stacking of the utensils without having a negative impact on the usability and aesthetic design of the utensils. The receipt of the protrusions within the recessed area allows for stacking of the utensils by allowing the utensils to be nested with one another to form a more stable stack of utensils. Further, the specific structures of the stacking features described in the present disclosure restrict relative movement between utensils not just in one direction, but in all directions, by preventing or restricting movement of utensils in side-to-side directions relative to one another, as well as movement of utensils in front-to-back directions relative to one another. Further yet, the stacking features as described in the present disclosure also allow for stacking of the cutlery utensils, not only with identical utensils of the same type, such as stacking forks with forks, spoons with spoons, or knives with knives, but also allows for stacking between different utensil types, such as stacking a spoon on top of a fork or stacking a knife on top of a fork, which further benefits the automation and packaging processes.

It will also be understood that various changes and/or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, although the present disclosure is described for use with cutlery utensils such as forks, knives, and spoons, it will be recognized that the stacking features and handle portions as described in the present disclosure can be employed with various types of cutlery or utensils, including disposable or reusable cutlery or different structural types of cutlery or utensils, such as spatulas, serving utensils, or any other type of utensil that can be stacked.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature is not illustrated in all of the aspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different aspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are expressly described. Combinations or permutations of features described in the present disclosure are also covered by this disclosure.

This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. While aspects of the disclosure have been specifically described in connection with certain specific details thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, which is defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A stackable cutlery utensil comprising: a utensil portion; a handle portion, having opposing first and second ends, the second end being adjacent the utensil portion, and further having opposing upper and lower surfaces; first and second protrusions projecting from the lower surface and spaced from one another to define an intervening space; and a recess on the upper surface at the same axial location on the handle portion as at least one of the first and second protrusions.
 2. The stackable cutlery utensil of claim 1 wherein the recess is provided at the same axial location on the handle portion as both of the first and second protrusions.
 3. The stackable cutlery utensil of claim 2 wherein the recess comprises a single continuous recess.
 4. The stackable cutlery utensil of claim 2 wherein the recess comprises first and second recesses, with the first recess corresponding to the first protrusion and the second recess corresponding to the second protrusion.
 5. The stackable cutlery utensil of claim 1 wherein the intervening space comprises at least 60% of the length of the handle portion.
 6. The stackable cutlery utensil of claim 5 wherein the intervening space comprises 80% of the length of the handle portion.
 7. The stackable cutlery utensil of claim 5 wherein the first and second protrusions are adjacent the first and second ends, respectively, of the handle portion.
 8. The stackable cutlery utensil of claim 7 wherein the first and second protrusions are located within the first and last 10% of the length of the handle portion, respectively.
 9. The stackable cutlery utensil of claim 1 wherein the first and second protrusions are complementary in contour and axial location on the handle portion with the first and second ends.
 10. The stackable cutlery utensil of claim 9 wherein the first and second protrusions have a U-shaped profile.
 11. A stack of stackable cutlery utensils, each of the stackable cutlery utensils comprising: a utensil portion; a handle portion, having opposing first and second ends, the second end being adjacent the utensil portion, and further having opposing first and second surfaces; first and second protrusions projecting from the first surface and spaced from one another to define an intervening space; and a recess on the second surface at the same axial location on the handle portion as at least one of the first and second protrusions, wherein the recess of a first utensil in the stack receives the at least one of the first and second protrusions of a second utensil in the stack to form a stacked configuration.
 12. The stack of stackable cutlery utensils of claim 11 wherein the stacked configuration is a nested configuration.
 13. The stack of stackable cutlery utensils of claim 12 wherein the first and second protrusions of the second utensil are received within and abut the first and second ends of the first utensil.
 14. The stack of stackable cutlery utensils of claim 13 wherein the first and second protrusions of the second utensil are resiliently retained by the first and second ends of the first utensil.
 15. The stack of stackable cutlery utensils of claim 14 wherein the first and second protrusions of the second utensil being resiliently retained by the first and second ends of the first utensil comprises at least one of an interference fit, a locking fit, or a snap fit between the first and second utensils.
 16. The stack of stackable cutlery utensils of claim 11 wherein the first and second protrusions of the second utensil are complementary in contour and axial location on the handle portion with the first and second ends of the first utensil.
 17. The stack of stackable cutlery utensils of claim 16 wherein the first and second protrusions have a U-shaped profile.
 18. The stack of stackable cutlery utensils of claim 11 wherein the first and second utensils are the same type of utensil.
 19. The stack of stackable cutlery utensils of claim 11 wherein the first and second utensils are different types of utensils.
 20. The stack of stackable cutlery utensils of claim 11 wherein the first surface is a lower surface of the handle portion and the second surface is an upper surface of the handle portion. 